Former Celtic star Petta signs on at Rossvale

The Dutchman - who played for the Parkhead side between 1999 and 2004 - has been signed by the Bishopbriggs club subject to international clearance.

’Vale were first reported to be in discussions with Petta last week with negotiations also taking place with sponsors over potential funding for the deal.

But manager Martin Lachlan confimed on Monday that the 41-year-old was now on board.

He said: “Bobby has signed subject to international clearance and we’ve now lodged the paperwork at Hampden.

“Whether he’ll be available for our game at Hurlford on Saturday we’ll just have to wait and see. These things can sometimes takes a couple of weeks.”

Petta had spells with Feyenoord, Ipswich Town and Fulham during his career but is best known for his stint at Celtic where he made over 50 appearances. most notably in the 6-2 Old Firm victory against Rangers in 2000.

After leaving Celtic he had spells at Darlington and Bradford City, as well as clubs in Australia, before retiring in 2009.

However rather than return to Holland he has remained based in Glasgow where he is a personal trainer.

‘Vale, under the guidance of ex-Partick Thistle and Stenhousemuir midfielder Lachlan, are currently second in the Central First Division table and going for a second successive promotion which wouold take them into the Super League just five years after their formation.

They are also in the lst 16 of the Scottish Junior Cup for th first time in their history with a tie against former winners Hurlford United to come on Saturday.